Meaning of no holds barred | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Without restrictions on holds or what opponents may do.
   not-comparable
2. Having absolutely no limits or restrictions as far as the levels and nature of one's hostilities and offense; taking to an especially ruthless or vicious manner.
   figuratively, not-comparable

Equivalents

Examples

“a no holds barred match⟳”

“Near-synonyms: unrestrained, unrestricted, unreserved, unconstrained, cutthroat”

“a no holds barred debating style that quickly transformed into cheap shots and bickering”

“There isn’t much reason⟳ to be optimistic about thoughtful dialogue in this general election. Both sides are girded for a negative, no-holds-barred slugfest.”

“Among them was Ryan Ferchaud, 37, a tourist from Memphis who mostly faulted groups of college students for what she said was their no-holds-barred attitude regarding the mayhem.”

““But the Russian doctrine of mass firing and no holds barred was visible in Chechnya, and there is the potential that Russia will get⟳ its act together tactically, and that will result⟳ in mass fire against population centers.””

CEFR level